4 But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law, 5 so that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons [as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family].
Galatians 4:4-5 (AMP) 中文
Pure Gospel of Jesus
This letter from Paul to Christ followers living in the area of Galatia is all about the means of salvation. The Judiazer’s were spreading a false gospel faith plus works. With full apostolic authority Paul sharply corrects this false teaching. In chapter 3, Paul compares the law to the promise. He has shown how they are complementary, not contrary and the law’s purpose. He seems to now be focusing in chapter 4 on the Gentiles in the gatherings of believers – to address freedom from the law, the “elementary principles” (v3).
Fullness of time
This fullness of time concept is packed with meaning. It is at least two things. It is a literal fulfillment of what God had prophesied hundreds of years earlier. (Daniel 9:24-26) This Daniel passage also mentions this second idea, “…to finish the transgression”. The fullness was “marking the end of the present aeon (cf. 1:4) and ushering in the future aeon.” (planobiblechapel.org quoting Fung) What is absolutely amazing is that God, in His infinite wisdom and knowledge, makes both happen at the same time! The prophecy is fulfilled at the same time that the world is “ripe” for Christ’s coming.
Need a substitute
This section contains some very important theology about Jesus, the substitutionary atonement for our sin. He was “born of a woman” and, “under the law”. Why is this important? Christ came to be the substitute sacrifice for us. God’s holiness and Law demands a sacrifice to atone for sin. The sacrifice is the one who committed the sin – you and me. But God, in His mercy and grace, sent Christ to die in our place. But how is He qualified?
Qualified substitute
To be a substitute, He must be like the one to be punished. He must be of equal value. What has equal value to a human? How do you even measure the value of a human life? $1M USD for most is a huge sum, but to Elon Musk, it’s pocket change. An animal isn’t of equal value (which is why the OT sacrifices only pointed to the need for a perfect one). Only another human is qualified to be a substitute. But each human has their own sin. So a perfect, sinless human is needed. Christ is this one – born of a woman, and perfect (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:3).
Likewise, only someone who was under the Law can redeem those under the Law. And, that person must also fulfill the Law (completely keep it). Christ was born under the law and kept it fully (Romans 5:19)
RЯeflection
- All I can think of is Scripture in response to God’s amazing work:
- “Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Romans 11:33
- “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
- Either (or both) may be good verses for us to consider memorizing, meditating on, and applying.
- We should also be thanking the Lord for becoming our perfect substitute!
